NCJ Number
189064
Journal
Substance Use and Misuse Volume: 36 Issue: 1 and 2 Dated: 2001 Pages: 1-22
Editor(s)
Karen McElrath,
Dale D. Chitwood
Date Published
2001
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This paper attemptes to demonstrate how popular myths surrounding the drug Ecstasy are evaluated through the careful analysis of self-reported experiences by a variety of users in Northern Ireland.
Abstract
Along with the introduction of new drug formulations and their predictability, there are conflicting societal messages about the advantageous or the harmful effects of the drug. Contemporary folklore suggested that Ecstasy or E (MDMA) use enhanced empathy and generally improved social interactions among users, and the medical literature reported negative psychiatric and physiologic effects. This study explored this contemporary myth by investigating ways in which E users, residing in a region characterized by socially estranged communities, believed the use of E did/did not impact their social relationships in that society. Three areas were examined: (1) the potential existence of “loved up” feelings popularly associated with the use of E; (2) the presence or absence and or nature of aggressiveness in rave or dance clubs frequented by E users; and (3) the role of E in relationships between E using members of two socially estranged communities. The data for the study were collected through in-depth interviews with 50 current or former Ecstasy users in Northern Ireland. E users in the study reported that the effects of the drug had been beneficial for social relations and other users felt unaffected by the drug. Similarly, findings of a non-violent club scene were only partly substantiated. The relationships or friendships formed with members of the other community appeared to have been based primarily around the social world associated with drug usage. In addition, the findings indicated that although some Ecstasy users perceived the myths and folklore to be an accurate reflection of reality others, reported that social relationships among users changed with continued usage, occurred within selected venues, or were influenced by greater cultural relations characterizing mainstream society. The study suggested future research focus on a more detailed analyses of factors associated with the changing perceptions among users. References